Overview
Cyrtomium falcatum is a tufted ferns in the genus Cyrtomium, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Cyrtomium falcatum grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include shady border, rock garden and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Cyrtomium falcatum, commonly known as Japanese holly fern, is an evergreen fern with a tufted habit. It typically grows to between 0.5 and 1 metre in height and spread, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This fern thrives in full or partial shade, favouring sheltered, south- or east-facing aspects. It adapts well to a variety of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions across acid, alkaline, or neutral pH levels. It is a low maintenance plant valued for its winter interest.
About the genus
Cyrtomium is a genus of about 35 species of ferns in the family Dryopteridaceae, subfamily Dryopteridoideae, according to the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group classification of 2016. Species are native to Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Ocean islands (Hawaii). It is very closely related to the genus Polystichum, with 2016 research suggesting it should be included in a clade sister to Polystichum s.s.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cyrtomium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cyrtomium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cyrtomium
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Cyrtomium falcatum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Shady border, Rock garden, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cyrtomium falcatum
- Propagation
- Spores sown at 16°C in late summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cyrtomium falcatum?
Cyrtomium falcatum prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cyrtomium falcatum need?
Cyrtomium falcatum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Cyrtomium falcatum grow?
Cyrtomium falcatum reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Cyrtomium falcatum hardy in the UK?
Cyrtomium falcatum has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Cyrtomium falcatum?
Spores sown at 16°C in late summer.
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